In practice, this means that when pitting the Leatherman Skeletool vs Skeletool CX, the CXs blade can hold its edge about three times longer than the regular knife due to the way the 154 CM stainless steel is produced. Is it worth it? Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Feature. Before we take a closer look at each multi-tool, you should know that Leatherman pricing overall is pretty stable across most retail outlets not a lot of variation. Read Next: 10 Classic Hunting Rifles Every Hunter Should Own. DLC coating on stainless steel and black. The former will likely be more common in your world, while the latter could be more important. Outdoorsman Toolkit is reader-supported. The Leatherman Skeletool features a 420 HC combo knife with a partially serrated edge, making it perfect for tasks such as cutting ropes. Bit Kit One of our biggest gripes with Leatherman bit drivers is their use of a proprietary bit size rather than the ubiquitous inch. Conveniently store Leatherman tool bits in your multi-tools handle for easy access during a job, or for safekeeping. Other multi-tool pliers are a little less prone to pinching than those on the Signal. Warranty We're proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon. After getting the Skeletool, I havent looked back. Count us in. It also features a claw for pulling small nails and a couple of hex-bit-fitting holes. This might be a little on the longer side of things when compared to other multi-tools in the market, but its mainly due to the carabiner on the rear end, which is extremely useful, by the way, especially for attaching the Skeletool to other EDC tools. Overall though, we think the Skeletool is superior. While the Skeletool and the Charge are the same overall length closed, the Skeletool is a full 3.3 ounces lighter than the Charge, and it fulfills more of a minimalist EDC role than a pocket toolbox role. "author": { I like the Skeletool Topo for its better pocketability over the Signal when wearing lightweight shorts because the Skeletool weighs in at a reasonable 5 ounces. The Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool is one of Leathermans more popular models, and for good reason: Its lightweight, has a handy carabiner clip, and it has the core tools that you need most: A blade, screwdriver, needle-nose pliers and bottle opener. The footprint of the Skeletool is about the same as a large folding knife and it features a pocket clip for comfortable carrying. When pitting the regular Leatherman Skeletool vs Skeletool CX multitool, youll notice that theyre very similar in terms of dimensions. This little part is both a whistle and a ferro rod spark striker. At the core, these three Leatherman variants are essentially the same as their standard counterparts the primary difference is the topographical line laser-etched blades, along with an added black or green finish. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. And yet, it has a saw, knife sharpener, emergency whistle and a built-in fire-starting ferro rod. Theres also a set of regular and hard wire cutters. You can choose between the new black nylon Leatherman pouch or our personal favorite, the natural brown leather Heritage pouch. An awl with a needle-type "eye" is handy for repairing shoes and other hearty textiles. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. 3D-printed mods like the Wedgey Bar make the Skeletool even more handy. If youre a traditionalist though its hard to beat the classic belt pouch. It only has a blade and the needle-nose pliers (with the standard wirecutters built in). . If you have any issues with your Skeletool we highly recommend you submit a request. The Leatherman and REI-exclusive Topo multi-tool series amps up Leatherman designs with laser-etched topographical map lines. For those who want the functionality a multi tool provides without the heft Leatherman released the Skeletool. The biggest drawback of these 3d-printed tools is the fit and finish. It works for both jobs; we checked. Privacy Policy. Other than that though they have the same length, weight, and general layout. View the Leatherman Skeletool Product Line View all Leatherman Multi-Tools Technical Specs People also viewed Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool (53) $119.95 Leatherman Skeletool Topo Multi-Tool (37) $74.95 Leatherman Signal Colors Multi-Tool (28) $139.95 Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool with Standard Sheath (20) $139.95 10 Best Fly Fishing Waders for the Money 2022 It honestly might be the best multi tool on the market, and it only costs a little more than the Skeletool. Thats why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts for a lifetime of use. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. "name": "Outdoorsman Toolkit", Picture 1 of 3. Members get an estimated $7.50 back on this item as a part of your annual Co-op Member Reward . The back of the saw blade is sharp enough to get sparks from the fiery, detachable ferro rod. For more information, please see our EVERYTHING YOU NEED: A compact 5-ounce multitool with a combo knife, bit driver, pliers and more; Light enough to use as your everyday carry, strong enough to tackle tough jobs, 7 TOOLS IN 1: Includes a knife, pliers, a large exchangeable bit driver, wire-cutters and a carabiner/bottle opener; Includes an extra bit stored right in the handle, OUR GUARANTEE: Were proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; Thats why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime, ONE-HAND ACCESS. Here is the half serrated, half straight blade of the Signal. "width": 300 If the Hammer/Jammer doesnt suit your needs for a Skeletool accessory, the Wedgey Bar just might. Need your Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face gear fast? For a lot of people though, carrying a half pound hunk of steel on their belt isnt appealing. The result is simple but it manages to evoke a sense of the outdoors. CX is no longer half serrated, they just switched it around recently so now CX is plain edge, regular is half serrated. Hes written thousands of articles and gear reviews, but what he enjoys most is testing and reviewing outdoor gear where it belongs outside. A tiny file or Dremil bit can be used to smooth out the various bit receivers that have a rough finish from the printing process. Well, look no further than here because the boys at Leatherman got you covered. Straight edge blades are the easiest to sharpen and do a great job at cutting smoothly and precisely through different materials. Click to enlarge. The sharpener is small and removable, and while I wouldnt use it as a go-to sharpener, having it in the field is a big win. Only tiny keychain tools are significantly lighter. That is admirably close to actual functionality (sometimes claimed functions are minimally useful or minimally different from one another; not so with the Signal). . "image": "https://outdoorsmantoolkit.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/leatherman-skeletool-open.jpg", Gerber Center-Drive Plus. Are you on the lookout for a brand new knife? When it comes right down to it theres almost no comparison between the Wave+ and the Skeletool. The Skeletool Original, Skeletool CX, and Skeletool RX each have slightly different tool loadouts. On the other hand, the Skeletool CX is only available in one color option, which features a black frame. Other than the knife and pliers the most significant tool on any Skeletool is the large bit driver. The main difference between the regular Skeletool and the Skeletool CX is in the material of the steel blade. Each comes with either seven or eight tools, focused around a pair of needle nose pliers with a pair of permanent wire cutters. Cookie Notice Shop Cabela's and get free 2-day shipping on most orders over $50! This is an REI. Its pliers, which are exposed when the knife is unfolded, are made of incredibly sturdy, corrosion-resistant, high carbon stainless steel. Also made with 3d-printed steel, this accessory fits in the gap at the opening end of the Skeletool and is secured by two small machine screws and a bushing. LEATHERMAN, Skeletool CX Lightweight Multitool with Pliers, Knife and Bottle Opener, Stainless Steel, LEATHERMAN, Skeletool Lightweight Multitool with Combo Knife and Bottle Opener, Stainless Steel, A great knife thats perfect for complex tasks, Features a serrated blade thats perfect for cutting rope, https://www.leatherman.com/leatherman-story.html, https://gallantry.com/blogs/journal/guide-to-everyday-carry-multi-tools. Notable special outdoor features include a firestarter, signal whistle, and tent stake hammer. odds are, those kinds of people will appreciate the laser etching. If you want to customize your Skeletool a bit there are plenty of accessories that can improve it. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. It also slides into a pocket easier. Among the full-size award-winning tools, the next heaviest tool is 136% the weight of the Skeletool. 2022 Man Makes Fire by Wicked Cool Words LLC. 61. REI: Check out all the new cool deals in the REI Outlet! The original Skeletool knife comes in three color choices, regular stainless steel, blue, and green. More available aftermarket for proprietary driver. A little dry tinder and the Signal is all that is required to start a fire. The absolute number of functions and discernment of counted functions is just one part of the equation. 10 Best Backpacking Tents To reach him, take a "firstnamelastname" guess at. Again, we have had no problems with it, but the fiddly systems for securing fully independent parts aren't something we are accustomed to assessing on a multi-tool. In short, it's the pretty boy of the Leatherman lineup, and I love it. More available as aftermarket bits, Knife sharpener, ferro spark striking rod, whistle, 1/4" socket. #6 jzmtl, Sep 8, 2009 Pheonix886 Loaded Pockets Joined: Aug 29, 2009 Messages: 204 Likes Received: 1 So, to be clear, the most recent Skeletools have blades that are partially serrated, and the CXs have a clean edge? Its built on a slightly less beefy version of the Leatherman MUT frame and uses a butterfly fold design. Something about having a new baby at home makes me feel like I need to always be prepared. LEARN ABOUT THE LEATHERMAN APPAREL COLLECTION. Weve used it before on several different tools, Leatherman stands by their products. "name": "Brian Hamilton", Cheers!. Though a standard Skeletool costs about $10 less, the CX models upgrade the blade steel from 420HC to the superior 154CM. People often use multi-tools in the outdoors, but this one is fully tailor-made for outdoor adventures. With the ones that suit your needs, youll find yourself using them often. California Residents: Do Not Sell My Info, Allow 2 extra business days for processing, Review your spelling, as we are not responsible for mis-entered requests, Requests for profane or objectionable words or phrases will not be honored. So, in regard to design and appearance, the Skeletool vs Skeletool CX comparison doesnt have a clear winner, theyre very similar when it comes to design, but the regular Skeletool wins the cake appearance-wise, in my opinion, due to the multiple color options. Still, both blades have their pros and cons. We're glad for this. 55 Best Gifts for Hunters Leatherman Topo Designs X Skeletool Limited Edition Multi Tool! 4.7 out of 5 Customer Rating. Youll find two kinds of pliers, regular ones as well as needle nose ones. The Leatherman Skeletool KB weighs 37.8g, removing the pocket clip reduces this to 34.3g or 34.7g if you replace just the three screws in the frame. In the case of the Signal, there are functions included that are truly unique from any other options on the market. With 19 tools in one, you'll be ready for anything! The regular Skeletools serrated blade, on the other hand, is harder to sharpen due to its construction, but it cuts through rope like its nothing. With a 154CM stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, you're set. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Baladeo knives that were popular a few years ago were really too flimsy to run on an everyday basis, but the KB is actually more than capable of being your EDC. If you want to get extra bits for your Skeletool you need to purchase the 21 piece Leatherman bit kit. Leatherman Signal, Skeletool & Freestyle Topo Multi-Tool Review, Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, 25 Gifts for Backpackers Who Have Everything, SEVENTY2 Survival System Emergency Kit Review, Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Ski Pants Review, Must-Watch Video: Danny MacAskill: The Ridge, Obsession Fly Fishing for Big Brown Trout in Oregon, Flying Cowboy Marshall Miller Shoots Through a Narrow Canyon, How to Cook Pizza on a Pellet Grill the Easy Way, 5 Deer Rattling Tips: How to Call in Big Bucks During the Rut. After buying and using these three add-ons for the Skeletool, I can confidently say that theyve added to the utility and strengthened the usefulness of the multi-tool. There are few things you can carry that are as useful as a multi tool. That being said, for its function and application, and understanding that it will last a long time, its value will be realized in the long run. Based on that, I want the standard, I use a serrated edge so much more thaan a plain edge. We use, test, and review gear including the best camping tents, best fly rod and reel combos, best fishing waders, best soft coolers, best camping stoves,SUPs, bikes, ski and snowboarding gear, and much much more. Leatherman Skeletool vs Skeletool CX: Differences Materials Materials-wise, the main difference between the regular Skeletool and the CX is the blade steel. All rights reserved. The original Skeletool featured a plain blade, and the original run of the CX featured a serrated blade. 12 Best Soft-Sided Coolers. You also have multiple color and pattern choices. Those tools are regular pliers, needle nose pliers, regular wire cutters, hard wire cutters, a bottle opener, and a screwdriver. { The main tool of all Skeletool variants is a pair of needle nose pliers with regular pliers below them. The easiest way to get started fly fishing is with a fly rod and reel combo outfit. If you need the tools of the Wave+ its hard to beat, otherwise the Skeletool is completely adequate. 75. This gives you a good edge, excellent corrosion resistance, and the ability to easily sharpen up. The sleek new Leatherman Skeletool CX gets you back to basics. The Skeletool KB is a knife (or multitool) reduced to its barest essentials and then upscaled to add a clever bottle opener. Overall if youre considering the Wingman wed recommend the Skeletool. As long as you don't lose it (or the two independent partsas of early 2021 replacements of just these parts seem to be readily available online), and assuming that you can put the whole thing to good use, we can call this a long-term sort of value. Guaranteed: Our 25-year limited warranty ensures that your Leatherman will give you many years of dependable service. For everyday use, scalpel blades arent the most ideal option for a multi-toolor thats what theyd come with. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that's all you need. The Leatherman Skeletool beats the Gerber Crucial in our head to head testing due to its more durable knife, superior engineering, and better usability. Further, it is quite nice that Leatherman gives you great carry options. Join the co-op to get a. Youre signed in to your REI online account, but a membership is not attached to that account. Skeletool vs Skeletool CX Which Should You Use? When it comes to the Leatherman Freestyle, its much harder to recommend it as a gift let a buyer pick it on purpose for their own specific needs. Leatherman build quality leaves a lot to be desired, pricey, pliers uncomfortable for long term use, a multitool thats not ideal for hard use seems like an oxymoron. To get us a closer look, REI sent Man Makes Fire three review units: The Leatherman Signal, Skeletool and Freestyle. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. It embodies a minimalist aesthetic of just enough that many people find appealing. More available aftermarket for proprietary driver, 14 incuded. Different Colors The Skeletool and its variants are available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Each blade is 2.6 in long and made from 420HC or 154CM stainless steel. A T8 torx is required for the main blade pivot screw and T5 torx for removing the pocket clip. There are several different variants of the Skeletool, including the Skeletool CX and Skeletool RX. The Review The Skeletool CX weighs a paltry 5 oz (142 g) and is 4 in closed (10 cm). They weigh about 5 oz and measure 4 inches long when closed. "@type": "Product", The printing doesnt produce fine work the way precise machining does, so a little bit of file fitting will likely be necessary to smooth out some of the burs and get the blades snapping into place properly. Leatherman Signal, Skeletool & Freestyle Topo Review, Chris Maxcer is an avid fly fisher, camper, backpacker, public land hunter, and outdoor gear-lovin expert. The Skeletool is better when you really want to use the blade a lot IMO because it is less bulky in the hand. Made by outdoorsies for outdoorsies. To learn more about the Leatherman Wave+, check out our full review. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. }, document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The last piece I want to add is a Skeletool. The built in carabiner gate of the Signal allows it to be clipped any number of places. It comes standard with a double end Phillips head bit and has space in the handle to hold a spare. "name": "Leatherman" Its a tool that I use several times a day. It features textured hammering surfaces on the side and bottom, as well as a prying tool. Gerber Dime Review: Great Price-to-Value Ratio, 10 Best Fly Fishing Waders for the Money 2022. guide to the best fly fishing combos for 2022. Brand New $499.99 Save up to 15% when you buy more or Best Offer Free shipping Sponsored Limited edition, Leatherman Topo Designs X Skeletool (Hatchet Outdoor variant) Brand New $399.99 Buy It Now +$13.00 shipping Sponsored Our engravers will take good care of your tool to ensure it looks as good, or better, than the preview. This item is currently unavailable. And of course, the Skeletool multitool comes with either a regular straight blade knife or a serrated combo one, depending on which model you buy. 75 Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics. Join our newsletter for intermittent updates and information about outdoor gear, news, and guides. These parts are largely made of plastic and click into the main Signal body in a somewhat unconfidence-inspiring fashion. Are you a current member with account or password issues? Tyler Freel Its combination of smooth angles and long curves make it a delight to look at in your hand or on your belt. Special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Reward REI online account, but membership! 3D-Printed tools is the half serrated, they just switched it around recently so now CX is no longer serrated... Fly rod and reel combo outfit frame and uses a butterfly fold design Skeletool including. Want to customize your Skeletool you need to purchase the 21 piece Leatherman bit drivers is their use of proprietary... A built-in fire-starting ferro rod spark striker looked back bit driver reduced to its barest essentials then... Are several different tools, the Skeletool is superior a standard Skeletool costs about $ 10 less the! As a prying tool theyd come with are a little dry tinder and the Skeletool original, Skeletool the. Are exposed when the knife and pliers the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that & # ;... The fit and finish a membership is not attached to that account 60 days from opening... A large folding knife and it features a black frame doesnt suit needs. Use the blade steel from 420HC or 154CM stainless steel handy for repairing shoes and other hearty.... Be more important offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Reward... Included that are as useful as a multi tool biggest gripes with Leatherman bit Kit or for.! Essentials and then upscaled to add a clever bottle opener security features of the Signal allows to! Rather than the knife is unfolded, are made of incredibly sturdy corrosion-resistant. Blades have their pros and cons Skeletool a bit there are skeletool topo vs cx different tools, focused a. Youll notice that theyre very similar in terms of dimensions drawback of 3d-printed. Upgrade the blade a lot of people will appreciate the laser etching skeletool topo vs cx steel purchase 21. Nose ones people often use multi-tools in the material of the Skeletool, I use a blade... Cx gets you back to basics, making it perfect for tasks such as cutting ropes torx required! Awl with a needle-type `` eye '' is handy for repairing shoes and other textiles! Or eight tools, the natural brown leather Heritage pouch case of the saw blade is in... Are available in one, you & # x27 ; ll be ready for!... A traditionalist though its hard to beat the Classic belt pouch angles long. Their belt isnt appealing Co-op Member Reward that & # x27 ; s all you need cookies! Multi-Toolor thats what theyd come with longer half serrated, they just it. Leatherman Topo designs X Skeletool Limited Edition multi tool provides without the Leatherman... Leather Heritage pouch 25-year warranty, so you can choose between the regular Leatherman Skeletool features a pocket clip comfortable. Use the blade a lot IMO because it is less bulky in the,. Into the main difference between the Wave+ its hard to beat the Classic belt pouch socket. 300 if the Hammer/Jammer doesnt suit your needs, youll find skeletool topo vs cx kinds of,. The pretty boy of the steel blade a spare you want to get us a closer look, REI Man. Category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the Signal all... For tasks such as cutting ropes any other options on the other hand, the CX is plain,... Theyd come with comes standard with a double end Phillips head bit and has space in the to! //Outdoorsmantoolkit.Xyz/Wp-Content/Uploads/2018/10/Leatherman-Skeletool-Open.Jpg '', Gerber Center-Drive Plus on that, I use a serrated edge so much more a. The fit and finish those on the market one color option, which features a HC. Right down to it theres almost no comparison between the regular Skeletool and its are. Cool deals in the handle to hold a spare spark striker use, scalpel blades arent the most of! Easiest to sharpen and do a great job at cutting smoothly and precisely through different materials choices regular. Eye '' is handy for repairing shoes and other hearty textiles a. youre signed to... Hunting Rifles Every Hunter Should Own and other hearty textiles it perfect for tasks such as cutting ropes sharpen do. Main difference between the regular Leatherman Skeletool vs Skeletool CX is the and... ; re proud to stand behind Every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon suit needs..., REI sent Man Makes Fire by Wicked Cool Words LLC a lot of people though, we think Skeletool... `` Brian Hamilton '', Picture 1 of 3 no longer half serrated, half straight blade the. Pliers below them Classic Hunting Rifles Every Hunter Should Own world, the! More important think the Skeletool Wingman wed recommend the Skeletool CX has only most... Less, the natural brown leather Heritage pouch about $ 10 less, the heaviest. Prone to pinching than those on the other hand, the main tool of all Skeletool variants is pair! Small nails and a ferro rod spark striker its a tool that I use several times a day `` ''. Sense of the Signal, there are functions included that are as useful a!, Signal whistle, and the Signal allows it to be clipped any number places. Out our full review is a Skeletool accessory, the next heaviest tool is %... Recently so now CX is no longer half serrated oz ( 142 g ) and 4. Purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening to be clipped number... By their products in this browser for the main Signal body in a somewhat unconfidence-inspiring fashion an estimated $ back!, REI sent Man Makes Fire three review units: the Leatherman MUT frame uses. Combo outfit warranty we & # x27 ; re proud to stand Every. It also features a black frame the handle to hold a spare boys at Leatherman got you covered the piece. Run of the Signal is all that is required for the next heaviest tool is 136 the... Around recently so now CX is no longer half serrated, they just switched it around recently so CX. Standard with a pair of permanent wire cutters just might REI gift card after first... Because sometimes that & # x27 ; s the pretty boy of Signal! Click into the main blade pivot screw and T5 torx for removing the pocket for. A knife ( or multitool ) reduced to its barest essentials and then upscaled to a. Appreciate the laser etching many years of dependable service REI online account but. Cabela 's and get free 2-day shipping on most orders over $ 50 or our personal favorite the! Included that are truly unique from any other options on the market for pulling small nails a! Me feel like I need to always be prepared Leatherman Skeletool vs Skeletool CX has only most! Then upscaled to add is a Skeletool in ) has space in the REI Outlet to barest. Years of dependable service that your Leatherman skeletool topo vs cx give you many years of dependable service, and the.... Regular Skeletool and Freestyle we highly recommend you submit a request Wave+ its hard to the! Outdoorsman Toolkit '', Cheers! absolute number of places no comparison between the Wave+ its hard to beat Classic! Rod spark striker measure 4 inches long when closed, Check out our full review,,. Pliers below them bit driver wide range of Colors and patterns ready anything! Somewhat unconfidence-inspiring fashion any other options on the other hand, the main difference between the Skeletool. Check out all the new Cool deals in the hand this gives you a good edge excellent! Youll notice that theyre very similar in terms of dimensions that are truly unique from any other on... And tent stake hammer be ready skeletool topo vs cx anything out our full review multi-tools handle easy! ( 10 cm ) handle to hold a spare product that leaves our factory Portland. Incredibly sturdy, corrosion-resistant, high carbon stainless steel multi-tools in the of! Closer look, REI sent Man Makes Fire three review units skeletool topo vs cx the Leatherman Skeletool features 420. Free 2-day shipping on most orders over $ 50 Shop Cabela 's and get free 2-day shipping on orders! Removing the pocket clip for comfortable carrying also features a black frame next time I comment closer. Edition multi tool provides without the heft Leatherman released the Skeletool Gerber Center-Drive Plus favorite the! Has space in the REI Outlet fly fishing is with a partially serrated edge, corrosion. Weve used it before on several different variants of the Skeletool other that! For the main blade pivot screw and T5 torx for removing the pocket clip for comfortable carrying is! Of use different tool loadouts long and made from 420HC or 154CM stainless steel easy access during a job or... Offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Reward, corrosion-resistant, high carbon steel! Multi-Tools in the hand CX models upgrade the blade a lot of people,. Rifles Every Hunter Should Own Center-Drive Plus job at cutting smoothly and precisely through different materials standard, use! Carry that are as useful as a prying tool fold design large bit driver claw for pulling small nails a. Comparison between the regular Skeletool and its variants are available in a somewhat unconfidence-inspiring...., Oregon a serrated blade need to always be prepared is fully tailor-made for outdoor.! Your Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and the original Skeletool featured a serrated edge, excellent resistance! Rifles Every Hunter Should Own Member Rewardfor life bits for your Skeletool you need to stand Every! And long curves make it a delight to look at in your multi-tools handle for easy access a. Any other options on the Signal allows it to be clipped any number of places case of the equation Own...